Feed mechanism for printing-presses and other machines.



L. MIDDLEDITCH. FEED MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE-28, 1910. 1,151,808. Patented Aug. 31, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

' WITNESSES.-

ATTORNEYS L. MIDDLEDITCH.

FEED MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

Patented Aug. 31, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 28, I9I0.'

, WITNESSES:

INVENTOR zzzazz/[M/QZM I By ' A TTGIIWEYS L. MIDDLEDITCH. FEED MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

H T N If, N R. 3H h gs 4 n w M L 5 v m m a,

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 28. 1910.

WITNESSES. 7

r L. MIDDLEDITCH.

FEED MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

Patented Aug. 31, 1915,

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

. APPLICATION FILED .IUNE 28.19I0.

ZZZ/mafia Z1 1 ATTORNEYS L. MIDDLEDITCH.

FEED MECHANISM FOR PRlNTlNG PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 28. 1910.

1,151,808. Patented Aug. 31,1915.

5 SHEETSSHEET 5.

ATTORNEYS York, have invented a new 'rrrica- LYMAN MIDDLEDITCH, NEW YORK, N. Y.

FEED MECHANISM FOR PRIN'TING-PBESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

- To all h 0% it may concern: v

LYMAN Mmonnorron,

Be it known that I, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of New York, borough of Manhattan, in the county and State of New and Improved for Printing-Presses and Feed Mechanism other Machines, of which the following is a improved cate corresponding full, clear, and exact description. I

The'invention relates to high speed printin'gpresses of the bed and cylinder or other type, and itis object is to provide a new and feed mechanism arranged for feeding the sheets of paper singly and in rapid succession to the printing press or other machine without the aid of skilled labor.

, F or the purpose mentioned, use is made of means for moving the uppermost sheet of a pile of sheets gradually rearward and means for engaging the uppermost sheet and drawing it forward off the pile of sheets. A practical embodiment of the invention is.represented in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indi parts in all the views. Figure 1 is a plan view of the feed mechanism'as applied to a rotary press; Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevation of the same on the line 22 of Figure 1; Fig. 3 is a similar view of the same and showing the parts in a different position; Fig. l is "an enlarged sectionalside elevation of the rearward combing means, the section being on the line H of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a similar view of thesame showing the parts in a different position; Fig. 6 is a cross section of the feed mechanism on the line (3-43 of Fig. 2; Fig. i? is an enlarged cross section of part of the rearward combing mechanism, the section being on the line 7 7 of Fig. I; Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevation of themecha-. nism for actuating the forward conveying means; and Fig. 9' is a cross section of the bearing for the combing wheel shaft.

The forwardly and downwardly-inclined feed table A of the printing press supports a pile of sheets 13, and is mounted on the rear end-of the main frame C of the printing press, havingfeed rollers D, D for passing Specification of Letters Patent.

rammed Aug. 31, was.

Application filed June 28, 1910; Serial No. 569,300.

the sheets B successively over the rollers D to the grippers of the printing press cylinder, in the usual manner.

The sheets B are moved intermittently forward, either by hand, but, preferaby by the use of one or more endless belts E, passing over wheels E, E mounted to rotate on the under side of the feed table A in such a manner that the upper run of each belt E passes over the top of the feed table A and hence underneath the lowermost sheet of the bank or pile of sheets B. An intermittent rotary motion is given to the forward wheel E from a transverse shaft F journaled on the main frame C and driven from one of the rotary parts of the printing press. On the shaft E of the wheel E is secured a ratchet wheel Gr, engaged by a springpressed pawl G, fulorumed on the arm G, mounted to swing loosely on the shaft E and pivotally connected with a rod G extending from across head G mounted to slide on-the shaft F above mentioned. On the cross head G is mounted a roller G adapted to be engaged. by cam Gr secured .on the shaft F, so that when the'lat-ter is rotated the cam G engages the roller G to impart a rearward sliding motion to the cross head G thus causing swinging of the arm G which, by the pawl Gand the ratchet wheel G, rotates the wheel E, toimpart a traveling motion to the belt E in the direction of the arrows a indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. The return movement of the cross head G", arm G and pawl G is accomplished by a spring G connected with the cross head G", as indicated in Figs. 2, 3 and 8. By imparting an intermittent traveling motion to the belt E, the pile of sheets B is moved intermittently forward, and the forward ends thereof are moved in contact with archshaped springs or plates H, secured at their forward ends to a bracket H, projecting from the forward end of the feed table A.

H and arms H secured to the forward ends of the bracket H (see Figs. 2 and 3). In case the sheets are fed too far forward into the space between the springs H and the armsH to be taken care of by a feed mechanism, as hereinafter more fully described, then the most forward of the said sheets engages with its forward end an arm H of a bell crank lever, fulcrumed on the bracket H, and having its other arm H" provided with a hook adapted to engage a tooth G arranged on top of the cross head G. Thus when a sheet acts on the arm H and swings which previously actuated the arm H, has

been combed rearwardly, so that the hook of the arm H releases the tooth G8 and the cross head is again actuated for imparting an intermittent traveling motion to the 'belt E. A stop H on the bracket H limits the return movement of the arm H of the bellcrank lever. 1

In order to comb the uppermost sheets of the pile of sheets B rearwardly, use is made of one, two or more combing wheels I, secured on a transverse shaft 1, journaled in bearings J held adjustable on longitudinally-extending rods K, forming part of a swinging frame, and fulcrumed on a shaft L, carrying drawing rollers L operating in conjunction with the free ends N of swing arms N, for drawing the uppermost sheet 13 off the pile ofsheets B, and deliver it to and between the feed rollers D, D, as hereinafter more fully explained.

The combing wheels I are continually rotated in the direction of the arrows Z), and for this purpose the shaft I .of the combing Wheels I is driven from the shaft 1) of the uppermost feed roll I), and which shaft 1) is driven from a rotating-part of the printing press. On the shaft D is'secured a gear wheel 0 in mesh with a gear wheel 0,

' cured on a transverse shaft journaled in a bracket C attached to a cross rod of the main frame C, and on the said shaft 0 is secured a bevel gear wheel in mesh with a bevel. gear wheel mounted to turn with and to slide on a shaft carrying at its rear end abevel gear wheel 0, in mesh with a bevel gear wheel 0 secured on the shaft I carrying the combing wheels I. The forward end of the shaft 0'' is mounted to slide in a bearing i, held to rock on the bracket (l in axial alinement with the sha ft 0 and the rear end of the shaft 0" is jour naled in a bearing I held loosely on the shaft I (see Fig. 1). A spring 0 is coiled on the shaft 0 and rests with one end against a collar 0, secured to the shaft the other end of the spring 0 abutting against the hub of the gear wheel 0, to hold the latter in mesh with its mate 0 From the foregoing it will be seen that when the printing press is running and the shaft D is rotated, then a rotary motion is trans 75.

mitted by the gear wheels 0, 0, 0 O, 0, 0 and the shafts O O and I to the combing wheels I, to rotate the latter in the direction of the arrow b. It will also be noticed that when the combing wheels I rise and fall the shaft O slides in the bearing C, and when ad'usting the bearings -J on'the. side bars K o the swing frame according to the size of the sheets to be fed at the time,

then the shaft 0 also slides in its bearing 86 C without disengaging the bevel gear wheel 0 from the bevel gear wheel the collar 0 and spring 0 being adjusted correspondingly. It will be noted further that this rising and falling movement of the 90 combing wheels with respect to the "sheet support is in substantially thesame vertical plane-as a result of which the combing wheels can commence to act on the next underlying sheet as soon as the rear end of 96 the top sheet has passed the vertical center line of the combing wheel.

The side bars K of the swing frame are provided at their ends with adjustable weights K, to cause the combing wheels I 100' to bear down on the upper sheet B with sufficient force to comb the uppermost sheets gradually rearward, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 4; The combing wheels I are lifted oil the uppermost sheet B when the latter is to be withdrawn from the pile by the action of the drawing rollers L and the arms N, and in order to periodically raise and lower the combing wheelsI the following arrangement is made: The bearingsJ are provided at the under side with rearwardlyextending bars .l', attached at their rear ends to. blocks J slidable on the side bars K,

and connected with each other by'a cross bar J. Collars J* are mounted to slide on the 315 side bars K, and are adapted to be secured thereto by set screws J and each collar J extends mto an opening J formed on the corresponding bar J, so that when the set screws J ardloosened, the connected parts,

that is, the bearings J, bars J, J" and the blocks J J, can be shifted lengthwise on side bars K. to |novetl1e combing wheels l forward or rearumrd, according to the size of the sheets to be fed at the time.

of the swing frame, to swing with the latter up or do wn; 13

' lar spring. tongues P of which the spring.

2 are arranged below the springtongues arms P and ere spacedfroin' the same, so tlmt'fthe'rear ends of the uppermost'sheets can pass between the arms P and the tongues P on combing the uppermost sheets rearward by the action of the combing v Wheels 1.

The torward end of each spring arm P" is provided with an upwardly-extending lug P51, carrying a transverse pin. P, engaging an elongated slot Q ina' toggle lever Q,

- pivotally connected with a toggle lever Q fulcrumed a spring-pressed pawl R, adapt;

' ed to engage a ratchet wheel to swing loosely on the combing Wheel shaft I so that the toggle levers Q, Q can open and close, as indicated in Figs. 4 and 5, the swinging movement of the said toggle levers being limited bye pin Q held on the toggle lever Q, and adapted to abut Yagain'st stop lugs Q Q arranged on the toggle lever Q The toggle lever Q is provided with an upward extension Q", on which is R mounted to turn loosely on the shaft 1, and driven therefrom at a reduced speed, so that when the" pawl R is in engagement with the ratchetwheel R, then the toggle levers Q versQ', Q open,

arm P is first pressed downward, into contact with the uppermost sheet B, thus pre- Q are swung from their closed position shown in Fig. 4- into the open; position shown in Fig. 5, whereby the free end of the spring arm P is pressed downward into contact with the uppermost sheets B, and at the same timethe combing Wheels I are raised 03 the uppermost sheet, (see Fig. '5).

it is understood that when the toggle 1ethe free end of the spring venting further downward movement of the free end ofthe spring arm 1?, and as the toggle levers Q, Q continue to open or .straighten out the shaft 1' and with it the combing wheels I are raised as the uppermost sheet. When this takes place, the rearward combing of the uppermost sheets ceases as the combing Wheels I are now out of engsgement with the uppermost sheet B, but

the sheets are held in position against move.

ment for the time being by the free, end of the spring arm. l bearing down on the up perznost sheet B. The pawl R is normally held out of engagement by a lever R fulcrumed on the toggle lever Q and pivotally connected by a link R with one arm of n bell crank lever B, l'ulcrumed on the c0rre- 6O spending block P, the other arm of the said bcll crank lever B. being provided with a notch R for engagement by therear end of the uppermost shcetB", so that when the Elltl sheet is combed rearwardly by the combing wheels I (see Fig. 4),;and finally position.

engages thenotch R then a swinging mo-. tion is given to the bell crank lever R Which by the link R swings the lever R to the right, thus releasing the pawl R, to now swing downward into engagement with the-ratchet wheel R. The rotary motion of'the latter now causes the toggle levers Q Q to swing intoopen position, as above described, and during thismovement the pawl .R is carried forward and finally engages a ,to rengage the pawl-R to allow,

R to hold the said bell crank lever R link R and arm R in the normal forward position' to engage the pawl R.

' On the cross bar 3 are secured blocks S adjacent to the blocks P previously mentioned, and on each block S are pivoted the links S", Sflfextending at angles one to the other and supporting apawl 8, adapted to be engaged by one of a series of teeth T formed on an arm'T, adjustably secured to a rod T by a set screw T The rear end of the rodl is mounted to slide loosely in a bracket A carried by the table A, and the forward end of the rod T is pivotally connected with a crank arm T", secured to a rock shaft T extending transversely and. wurnaled insultable bearin s on the main frame C. One outer end of the shaft T (see Fig. 6) is provided with a crank arm pawls-S 5nd thus swing the same forward.

lVhen this takes place the links S, S cause the pawls S to assume an inclined position and lift theblocks S, and with the some the cross bar J and the side bars K of the swing frame, to raise the combing Wheels I higher up and at the same time lift the spring nrzns P out oi engagement wlth the uppermost sheet B (see Fig. 3).

In order to close the toggle levers Q Q, use

is made of rods'S, pivotally connected with the forward ends ol the pawls and slidingly engaging tubes '8', fulcrumed on the pivotal connection between the toggle levers Q and Q and a spring S" is coiled on the rod 55* and rests with one end on the tube if u gaged by collar S secured onthe rod S, A spring S held on the block S presses the forward end of the pawl S to hold the int' and the other end is adapted to be enter in the normal rearward position shown in Figs. 3 and 4. By the ,use of the spring S and collar S the toggle levers Q Q and connected parts are not liable to be broken in case the pawl B should accidentally be in engagement with the ratchet wheel R. When the carriage is lifted the bell crank lever B is raised with it and hence the notch It is drawn out of engagement with the top sheet, thus permitting the arm R to swing forward by its spring and engage the pawl R, for holding it-out of contact with the ratchet wheel R, while the toggle levers Q Q are returned to closed position. The parts are held in this position until the combing device is again lowered and the arm 11* is acted on by the next sheet.

In order to rotate the ratchet wheel R at a reduced speed from the shaft 1, the following arrangement is made, special reference being had to Figs. 1 and 7: On the hub of the ratchet wheel R is secured a gear wheel U, in mesh with a gear wheel U, secured on a shaft U mounted to turn in the bearing J and carrying a gear wheel U in mesh with a gear wheel U, secured on the shaft I, so that when the latter is rotated a reduced rotary motion is transmitted by the gearing described to the ratchet wheel R. I

The swing arm N, previously mentioned, is fulcrumed on an arm V, secured on a rock shaft V, provided with an arm V carrying a friction roller V in peripheral engageinent with a cam V secured on the driven shaft F. A spring V attached to the bracket H presses the arm V so as toxic!- mally hold the friction roller V 3 in peripheral contact with the cam V and when the printing press is running a rocking motion is given by the cam V to the rock shaft V,

which, bythe arm V, imparts a sliding motion to the arm N, the latter being inclined upwardly and rearward ly, as plainly indicated in Figs. 2 and The under side of the arm N is provided with a cam face N adapted to engage a cam face H on the up per side of the fixed arm H so that when the arm N is moved rearwardly itslcam face i 2 travels up the cam face H thnsiinr parting a forward swinging motion/tojthe arm N,.to move the free end N offt he said arm N toward the drawing roller L, to press the forward end of the uppermost sheet B against the said drawing roller L. Two drawing rollers L and a correspond ing number of arms N are shown in the drawings; but it is cvidentthat more of such devices or only one such device may be used. 11011 the arm N is in thejnormal position shown in Fig. 2, its frec end N rests on the free end of the Alflllj'Il .and engages the forward end of the uppermost sheet B then combed rearwardly by the combing wheels 1, until the forward endof the uppermost sheet B has just passed the free end N of the arm N. Now-when the arm N is moved rearwardly, its free end N travels on the second uppermost sheet and so that the arm N is swung forwardly, thuslifting the forward fend of the uppermost sheet B and pressing it against the under side of the drawing roller L.- When this takes place-the uppermost sheet B is drawn forward off the pile of .sheets B and passed between the feed rollers D, D while being guided by the usual guides D, D extending rearwardly beyond the feed rollers D, D.

The arm N is pressed on by a spring N attached to the arm V, so as to hold the arm N in engagement with the cam face H of the fixed arm H I The operation is as follows: \Vhen the printing press is running and the several parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2, then the uppermost sheets of the pile of sheets B are combed rearwardly by the action of the combing wheels I, and when the uppermost sheet B has just passed the free end N of the arm N it engages the notch R of the bell crank lever B, to release the pawl R, so that thetoggle levers Q Q are swung into open position, as previously ex; plained, to engage the spring arm P with the uppermost sheet B and to lift the combing wheels I off the said uppermost sheet B. lVhen this takes place the arm N is moved rearwardly and swung forwardly, as previously explained, to lift the forward end of the uppermostsheet B and press the same in contact with the peripheral face of the drawing roller L, and immediately previous to this result being accomplished the toothed arm T has acted on the pawl S to impart an upward swinging motion to the swing frame, thus lifting the combing wheelshigher up and at the same time disengaging the spring arm P from the uppermost sheet B. The latter is now drawn forward off the pile of sheets by the action of the drawing roller L, against which the sheet is held by the free end N of the arm N. As soon as the feed rollers D, D have taken hold of the forward end of the sheet B then the arm N swings and slides back to normal position, and the swing frame carrying the combing wheels I and the spring arms I? is swung downward to normal position, so that the combing wheels I engage the now uppermost sheet B" of the pile, to comb the same rearward in the manner previously explained, it being understood that the combing wheels I drop immediately after the rear end of the uppermost 1,1s1,ses

of sheets B are carried forwardly, and then the uppermost sheets, say four or five of them,,

are gradually combed rearwardly by the combing wheels I, and the front end of the uppermost sheet B is moved in engagement with the drawing'roller I/to draw the uppermost sheet oil the pile of sheets at the time the combing wheels I and the spring. arms P are in a raised position, that is, out of contact with the uppermost sheet- B.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the sheets are fed singly andin rapid succession without danger of disarrangement of the sheets. Itwill also be noticedthat the devicesshown'and described permit of an exceedingly rapid feeding" of the sheets, particularly as the coinbing'wheels I come down from their raised position immediately after the rear end of the uppermost sheet B has been drawn forward a sufficient distance to clearthe combing wheels I. Thus before the uppermost sheet B is completely withdrawn from the pile-of sheets B the combing wheels are activeto comb the now uppermost sheetsrearw'ard, and hence practically no time is lost, and. by actual trial it v has been possible to properly feed from eig..-; to nine thousand sheets-per hour. I

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters I Patent: I p v 1. A sheet feeding machine comprising a, support for a pile of sheets, a combing device located adjacent to the rear end of the sheet acted'upon forcombing the said sheet rearwardly, means 'for raising and lowering the combing device in substantially the same,v transverse vertical plane, timed tomaintain the combing device in engagement with the pile (hiring the major portion of eachcycle of the machine, andto raise it.but'm omen-: tarily to permit the tail endof'the top sheet to pass 'hn-wardlv the plane pf the comb ing device, andni ms for feeding the sheet ,t'orwardly after it has been combed rearwardly located near the forward end of the pile and adapted to engage the top sheet after the combing device is 'raisedto move the tail end of said sheet forwardly of the plane of the combing device before the latter descends into contact with the'pile, whereby the combing device and feeding means act simultaneously on different sheets in opposite directions.

A sheet feeding machine comprising a sheet sum'mrt, a combing device, means for feeding the sheet forwardly after it has been combed rearwardly, meansfor intermittently raising and lowering the combing device in substantially the. same transverse vertical plane, timed to cause the combing device to engage the next underlying sheet immediately after the tail end of the top sheet has moved forward of'the vertical plane of the combing device, means actuated on separate sheets simultaneously in oppo- -intermittently raising and lowering the moved forward of the vertical plane of the combingdevice.

by the rearward movement of the sheet for controllingthe raising means, and means for imparting a rearward feeding motion to the combing device. 4

3. A sheet feeding machine comprising a sheet support, means for moving the top sheet forwardly of the support, a combing device formoving the next underlying sheet rearwardly adapted to move up and down in substantially the same transverse vertical plane, means foreifecting the up and down movement of the combing device, timed so --as to lower the combing device immediately after the tail end of the top sheet has passed the plane of the combing device, means actuated by the rearward movement 'of the sheet controlling the means for raising the combing device, whereby the two devices act site directions.

4. A sheet'teeding machine comprising a sheet support, a rotary combing device, means for feeding the sheet forwardly after it has been combed rearwardly, means for combing device "in substantially the same transverse vertical plane, timed to cause the combing device to engage the next underly ing sheet immediately after the top sheet has combing device, means actuated bythe rearward movement of the sheet controlling the raising means, and means for imparting a rearward rotating feeding motionto the 5; A sheet feeding machine comprising a sheet support, means for moving the top sheet forwardly off the support, a rotary combing device for moving the next underlying sheet rearwardly adapted to move up and. down in substantially the same transverse vertical plane, means for imparting a rearward rotating-feeding movement to the v combing device, means for effecting theu'p and down movement of the rotary combing device, timed so as ing device and timed so as to raise the comb ing device prior to the engagement of the to lower the combing device immediately after the tail end of the forward sheet moving means with the "top, sheet, and means actuated by the rearward movement of the sheet controlling the means for raising the combing device, whereby the two devices act on separate sheets simultane-' 0 ously in opposite directions.

6. A feed ,mechanlsm provided with a fixed table supporting a pile of sheets, means for gradually carrying the sheets forward over the said table, rotary combing wheels above the table and thepile of sheets,'for gradually and intermittently combing the uppermost sheets rearward, means for intermittently raising andlowering the. said combing wheels, a transferring device for- 3 intermittently moving the said combing the time the combing wheels are out of con-.

tact with the uppermost sheet.

TJA feed mechanism provided with a fixed tab'e supporting a pile of sheets, means for gradually carrying the sheets forward over the said table, rotary combing wheels located above the pile of sheets and adapted to contact with the uppermost sheets to comb the same rearward. a pressing device for the uppermost sheet, means for initially raising the combing wheels off the uppermost sheet and pressing the latter down on the pile by the said pressing device, final raising means for the said combing wheels and the said pressing device, and a transferring device forward of the table for engagement with the forward end of the uppermost sheet at the time the said pressing device is down on the sheet, and means for drawing the uppermost sheet oif'the pile of sheets at the time the saiid pressing device is raised. out of engagement with the uppermost sheet.

8. A feed mechanism comprising forward conveying means for gradually carrying the sheets'of a pile of sheets forward, rotary combing wheels for gradually combing the uppermost sheets rearward, a pressing device for pressing the uppermost sheet, means connected with the said pressing device and the said combing wheels to initially raise-the combing wheels off the uppermost sheet and force the said pressing device in engagement with the uppermost sheet, means for lifting the pressing device off the uppermost sheet,

and a delivery device for engaging the for;

ward end of the uppermost sheet at the time the said sheet is engaged by the pressing device andi for removing the uppermost sheet imi'nediately after the sheet is disengaged by tlle said pressing device.

9. A eed mechanism, comprising a combing wheel,. adapted to comb the uppermost sheets gradually rearward, means for intermittently moving the said combing wheel in and out of contact with the uppbrmost sheet of the pile of sheets, a pressing device for pressing the uppermost. sheet hn the pile and subsequently releasing it, a revoluble drawing roller in front of the combing wheel, and transferring means for enga ing the forward end of the said upper: most sheet at the time the said pressing device engages the uppermost sheet, the said transferring means pressing the sheet in con tact with the said drawing roller at the time the sheet is released by the pressing device whereby the" drawing roller draws the uppermost sheet off the pile.

10. A feed mechanism, comprising a combing Wheel adapted to comb the uppermost sheets gradually rearward, means for wheel in and out of contact with the uppermost sheet 'of the pile of sheets, a pressing device for pressing the uppermost sheet on with the'said drawing roller at the time the sheet is released by the said pressing device, whereby thedrawing roller draws the up permost sheet oil the pile of sheets.

11. A feed mechanism provided with a.

combing means for gradually combing the uppermost sheets of a pile of sheets rearward, a drawing roller, and an arm adapted to pass under the forward end of the upper- .most sheet andraise the said forward end 1nto drawing contact with the said drawing.

roller.

12. A, feed mechanism provided with a combing means for gradually combing the uppermost sheets of a pile of sheetsrearward, a drawing roller above the forward portion of the pile of sheets, and an arm having a sliding and swinging motion adapted to rest normally on'the forward end of the uppermost sheet until the latter is combed rearwardly and out from under the said arm, the latter then'passing under the forward end of the uppermost sheet and raising the said forward end into drawing contact with the said drawing roller.

13. A feed mechanism provided with a table, means for moving a pile of sheets forward over the table, a curved spring plate at the forward end of the table, and onto which the forward end of the said pile of sheets is fed by the sheet moving means, a drawing roller, and means for engaging the forward end of the uppermost sheet above the said spring plate and for raising the said sheet end into drawing contact with the said drawing roller.

1+.-A feed mechanism provided with a table. means for moving a pile of sheets forward over the table, a curved spring plate at the forward .end of the table and onto which pass the forward end of the said pile of sheets, a drawing roller. an arm mounted to swing and to slide and adapted to pass isc ' menses roller in front of the said. combing ivheel', an arm adapted to pass with its free end under the, forward end oi the said uppermost sheet, and means for imparting a sliding and swinging motion to the said arm for the latter to move theforward end of the uppermost sheet into cont'act with'the said drawing roller for drawing the uppermost sheet oil the pile atthe time the said combing wheel is-out of contact with the said uppermost sheet. r

16. A feed mechanism, comprising a revoluhle combing. Wheel adapted to comb the uppermost sheetsjof a'pile of sheets gradually rearward, raising and lowering means for intermittently moving-the said comlo- I ing wheel in and out of Contact with the uppermost sheet of the pile,. a re'voluble drawing roller in front of the said combingwheel, an arm adapted to pass with its free end underthe forward end of the said ugpermost sheet, means for. imparting a sh mg and swinging motion to the said, arm

. for the latter tomove the for-Ward end of the p ostshcet into contact with the Said hailing mile! for awing the upper- .most sheet 03 the pile 'at-the tiz'nethe "said combing Wheel isout of contact with the.

' .said uppermost sheet, means for stopping the rearward motion of the said uppermost,

sheet, and ,means for controlling the initial movement of the said raising and lowering 17. Afeed mechanism,-eomprisinga table f for supporting a pile of sheets, intermittent conveying means for intermittently conveying; the sheets forward -,over the saidtable," a combing wheel above the uppermost sheetf I of the pile of sheets, a shaft carrying the said combing wheel, a rocking support for the said combing Wheelshaft to raise and lower the said combing wheel and move it in and out of contact with the said ,uppermost-sheet. means for rotating the said combing ivheel shaft, means for imparting a s vinglnginovementto the said support, a revoluble drawing roller arranged inl fr'ont' of the said combing wheel, and an arm mounted to swing and to slide and: adapted to engage-the forward end'of the said up- I permost sheet and'move itin contact'with the said drawing roller-at the time 'the said combing wheel is in raised position.

I 18. A' feed mechani's'm.- comprising a table for supporting a pile of sheets. intermittent conveying means for intermittently conveying the sheets forwardly over the said table, a combing wheel ahove the-uppermost sheet i of the pile of sheets for combing-the uppermost sheets of the pile of sheets rearward, a shaft carrying the said combing Wheel, a rocking support for the said combing wheel shaft to raise and lower the said combing Wheel and move it in and out of contact with the said uppermost sheet,means for raised position.

the said uppermost sheet and controlling the if said initial raising means, means for imparting an upward swinging motion to the said support, a revoluble drawing roller arranged in front of the said combing wheel, and an arm mounted to swing and to slide 1. 143

and adapted to engage the forward end of' the said uppermost sheet and move it in contact with the said drawing roller at the time the said combing wheel support is in 19. A feed mechanism, provided with a rearward combing device, comprising a combingwheel for engagement with the uppermost sheet of a pile of sheets and mount.-

ed to turn to feed theuppermost sheet rear 35' Ward, a shaft carrying the said combing wheel, a swinging support carrying the said:

shaft and provided with a spring arm adapted to rest on the said uppermost sheet, a

stop lever mounted on the said support for limiting the rearward motion of the said up permost sheet, and a mechanism intermediate the said shaft andthe said spring" arm and controlled by the said stop lever for" hing wheel oil the initially raising the com salduppermost sheet,

20. A feedmeehanism, provided with a I rearward combing .device' comprising a combing wheel for engagement withthe up- I w per-most sheet of a pile of sheets and mount ed to turn to feed the uppermost sheet re ward, a shaft carrying the said combing? wheel, a swinging support carrying the said" shaft and provided with a spring arm adap'tl" ed to rest on the said uppermost sheen;

stop lever mounted on the said support 3' limiting the rearwardrmotion of the uppermost sheet, to gle levers interposed between the said shut and the said sprihgzarm, aratchetwheeLon the said shaft, 411 1 pawl for engagement with the said ratchet:

wheel and mounted on'the togglelever con'{ nected with. the said shaftpa pawl-support? ing arm: fulcrumed on "the said toggle lever; and adap out of engagement with the-said ratchet wheel, and a link connecting thesaid pans supporting arm with the said stopdever. j

21, A 'feed mechanism, provided with a" ted to hold the said payvlnormallyl;

rearward combing device comprising a;

combing wheel for engagement with -th up-"g permost sheet of a pile of sheets and mounted to turn to feed the uppermost sheets rearward,'a shaft carrying the said combing wheel, a swinging. supportcarrying the said- 2135! shaft and provided with a spring arm'-- adapted to rest on the said uppermost sheet, a stop lever mounted on the said support for limiting the rearward motion of the said uppermost sheet, togglelevers' interposed be:

tween the said shaft and the said spring arm, a ratchet wheel on the said shaft, a pawl for engagement with the said ratchet wheeland mounted on the toggle lever connected with the said shaft, a pawl-supporting arm fulcrumed on the said toggle lever and adaptedto hold the said pawl normally out of engagement with the said ratchet wheel, a link connecting the said pawl-supporting arm with the said stop lever, and a fixed arm for engagement by the said pawl for throwing the latter out of engagement with the said ratchet wheel.

22. A feed mechanism, provided with a,

rearward combing device, comprising a combing wheel for engagement with the uppermost sheet of a pile of sheets and mounted to turn to feed the uppermost sheets rearward, a shaft carrying the said combing wheel, a swinging support carrying the said shaft, a pawl hung on the said support, and a reciprocating notched .bar for engaging the said pawl to impart a swinging motion to the said support. g

23. Ai 'lfeed mechanism, provided with a rearward combing device comprising a combing wheel for engagement with the uppermost sheet of a pile of sheets and mounted to turn to feed the uppermost sheets rearward, a shaft carrying the said combing wheel, a swinging support carrying the said shaft, a pair of arms pivoted on the said support and standing at an angle one to the othei a pawl pivoted on'the said pair of arms, and a reciprocating notched bar adapted to engage the said pawl to impart a swinging motion to the said support.

24. A feed mechanism, provided with a rearward combing device comprising a revoluble drawing roller, a transferring arm forengaging the forward end of the sheet of paper to be fed and pressing it against the peripheral face of the said drawing roller, an intermittently swinging arm on which the said transferring arm is fulcrumed, a fixed arm, and cam faces on the said fixed arm and the said transferring arm and adapted to engage one the other for imparting a swinging motion to the said transferring arm. 4

26. A feed mechanism, provided with a table for supporting a pile of sheets, an endless belt having its upper run passing over the said table to gradually move the sheets forward, a roller over which passes the said belt, a pawl and ratchet mechanism for imparting an intermittently rotary motion to the said roller, an arm carrying the said pawl, a cross head' connected with the said arm and having a tooth, a shaft on which the said cross head is mounted to slide, a'cam on the said shaft for imparting a reciprocating motion to the said cross head, and a pawl controlled by the upper- I I most sheets and adapted to engage the said tooth.

27. A feed mechanism, provided with a support having an arm and a tongue spaced from the arm for the reception of the rear end of the uppermost sheets of a pile of sheets to be fed forward, a combing wheel mounted to rotate on the said support for combing the uppermost sheets between the said arm and tongue, and means for imparting an up and down swinging motion to the said support.

28. In combination with a feed table, means for feeding a pile of sheets forwardly over the feed table, a drawing roller over' the forward end of the feed table, an elevating arm for lifting the topmost sheet against the drawing roller, means for combing the topmost sheet rearwardly from under the elevating arm while the arm is in lowered position, and means for actuating the arm to push it in under the sheet'so withdrawn and then to lift the sheet against the drawing roller.

29. In combination with a feed table,

means for feeding the sheets forwardly over the feed table, a drawing off device over the forward end of the table, an elevating arm for lifting the topmost sheet into engagement with the drawing ofi' device and adapted in its lowered position to overlie the forward edge of the sheets, means for combing .the sheets rearwardly from under the elevating'arm, and means for actuating the elevating arm to slide it in under the top sheet thus withdrawn and lift the top sheet into engagement with the drawing off device.

30. The combination with a feed table, means for feeding a pile of sheets forwardly over the table, an elevating device adapted in lowered position to overlie the forward edge of the top sheet, combing devices for combing the sheets rearwardly to withdraw the edge of the top sheet from under the elevating device, and means actuating the elev vating device to move it in under the forward edge of the topmost sheet and then to lift said sheet above tln' top of the/pile.

31. In a sheet feed mechanism, the combination with feeding .ofi' devices, combing ing oft (leviee at the forward end of t devices for combing the topmost shee's a pile rearwertily away from the teetlingoif devices means for trl. 1n the combin ClC- 1 *ices when the top sheet has reached a rear- :rnost position, and means for elevetingthe sheet into engagement with the feeding oil devices.

32. The combination with a feecl table adapted to, support a. pile of sheets, a. feedhe sheet support, combing devices acting on the top of the pile to comb the sheets rea-rwsrclly with respect tothe feeding off cleric-e, means for tripping the notion of the combing devices when the sheets have been combed rearwerclly a certain distance, and means for feeding the pile forwardiy into position for engagement by the combing devices and means for engaging theuppermost sheet, after being" combed rearwardly, with the feeding oft" device.

33. in a sheet feeding mechanism, a bomb ing Wheel for engagement with the uppermost sheet of a pile of sheets, a shaft on which the combing wheel is mounted, a movable support carrying said combing wheel shaft, a pawl hung on the said support, and a reciprocating member for engaging with said pawl for the purpose of raising the movable support and the combine" wheel carried thereby.

3%. The combination with a sheet support for supporting a pile of sheets. of a combing device monster above the sheet support, means for feeding the pile of sheets forwardly under the combing device, and means operating the combine; device to cause said device to comb the uppermost sheets of the pile ,rearwarolly, whereby to efiect. the separation of the uppermost sheets in the pile.

In combination With a, sheet support, a feetiing oft device at the forward end of the sheet support, a combing device mountecl shove the sheet support. means for tee ling a pile of sheets forwardly over the sheet support to a position beneath the combing device, means operating the combing (lOYlCB to cause said device to comb the uppornmst' sheets reerwarclly to effect the separation of the uppermost sheets, and means for engapging' the separated top sheet with the feeding oil device. A

36. In a sheet feeding mechanism, a combing wheel for engagement with the uppermost sheet of e pile of sheets. a shaft on which th'eombing wheel is mounted, a movable support carrying the combing wheel shaft, a pawl in on said slu'iport, i1, rack arreugeti when in engagement with the pawl tosustsin the movable pawl,

u'p'g'iort and the combing wheel em-nee; thereoy, and means. for effecting the engagement Oitllfl rack and table, a guidewziy supported above the feed table and disposed in rear of the combing Wheel, rnegrns for feeding a pile of sheets forwartily over the teetl table beneath the guidew'zzy and combing Wheel into a position to be actedv upon by the combing wheel, and means for operating the combing wheel to comb the uppermost sheets reurwarrlly into the guidewuy aforesaid.

38. The combination with a feed table. of u combing wheel mounted above the feed table, a guicleway supported above the feed table and disposed in rear of the combing wheel, means for feeding a pile of sheets forwardly over the feed table beneath the guidewey and combing Wheel into a position to be acted upon by the combing wheel, means for operating the combing: wheel to comb the uppermost sheets rear-\vnrclly into the guicleway aforesaid. means for tripping the combing Wheel, and a trip finger controlling the saitl tripping means, disposed in the guideway so as to be engaged by the uppermost sheet 'comboil by the combine wheel. 39. in combination with :1 sheet support, means for feeding at pile of sheets forwardly over the said support, a, guiilevvny at the for- Werd end of the sheet support arranged to receive the forward edges of the uppermost advanced by the feeding means, a.

menus for engaging the forward edge of the uppermost sheet, after it has been withdrawn from the guuleway, with the feeding of? device! 40. The combination with a sheet support, means for feeding a pile of sheets forwardly over said sheet support, and a combing device mounted shove the sheet support and :1 rrsmgeri to comb the iu'iperniost of the pile of sheets rearwerrliy, of means for tripping the 'r'eotling menus when the pile of sheets has been ad anced over the sheet support to a pretleto'rzninecl point, and means for trippin; the combing (levies when the uppermost sheet or the pile has combed thereby to u pretleteruiineti rem-Ward position.

ll. in a sheet feeding machine, the combination of a sheet support, means for feeding a hunk of sheets forwardly oven the sheetsuppo t means for combing the upper-twist slie' .reuru'ar-illy, and means for feeding the i-eerwt'uriiiy comm-ll; topmost she torwzut'tllyott the bank.

Inks, sheet ieeiliufe; merhine, the combinetion oi? a sl'leet slu'iport, sheet guides at the forward end of the sheet support, means for setting 1 bani: of sheets forwardly over the sheet support to position under the name to this specification in the presence of guides, means for combing the topmost sheet two subscribing Witnesses.

rearwzudly from under the guides, and LYMAN MIDDLEDITOH. means for feeding the rem'wzu'diy combed Vitnesses: 5 topmost-sheet forwardly over the guides. THEO. Gr. HOSTER,

In testimony whereofl have signed my PHILIP D. ROLLHAUS. 

